Stern promises ‘substantial sanctions’ for Spurs

NBA commissioner David Stern said via a statement on TNT that the Spurs will be punished for Gregg Popovich’s decision to send four key players home, including Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili, prior to tonight’s game at Miami.

Said Stern: “I apologize to all NBA fans. This was an unacceptable decision by the San Antonio Spurs and substantial sanctions will be forthcoming.”

UPDATE, 7:30 p.m.: Later in the broadcast, sideline reporter Craig Sager said the league will hold meetings tomorrow to discuss the situation, per NBA Executive Vice President Stu Jackson.

Sager said Jackson declined comment when asked if the league would also review its scheduling procedures, which required the Spurs to play their fourth road game in five nights against a Heat team that hadn’t played since Saturday.

“I think this is a unique season,” deputy commissioner Adam Silver said. “And the fans understand that competitive strategy is part of what goes into coaching this year. It’s unique and teams like the San Antonio Spurs are playing to win a championship, and I think fans understand that.”